President Trump endorses Balderson for 12 Congressional District

President Donald Trump has endorsed state Sen. Troy Balderson for the 12th Congressional District, saying the Zanesville Republican "loves our Military, Vets & 2nd Amendment."

In tweets Saturday night, Trump calls Balderson's opponent, Democratic Franklin County Recorder Danny O'Connor, "a Nancy Pelosi Liberal who is WEAK on Crime & Borders." He says Balderson "is the total opposite" and has "my Full & Total Endorsement!"

Balderson and O'Connor will face off in an Aug. 7 special election to fill the unexpired term of former U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi (TEE'-behr-ee), who retired in January. Early voting for that election began recently.

The district represents all or part of Delaware, Franklin, Licking, Marion, Morrow, Muskingum and Richland counties. It has been held by a Republican for 35 years, but Democrats see it as an opportunity.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. A

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